New Version The Hamburg Ballet, Kampnagelfabrik Hamburg, April 4, 1986

Original Cast

King Arthur

François Klaus

Merlin

Max Midinet

Guinevere

Colleen Scott

Lancelot

Johannes Kritzinger

Elaine

Gigi Hyatt

Morgane

Chantal Lefèvre

Mordred

Gamal Gouda

Ygerne

Beatrice Cordua

Uter Pendragon

Stephen Pier

Galahad

Jeffrey Kirk

This ballet to music by Jean Sibelius (and others) is based on the English middle ages saga of King Arthur. A thorough study of interpretations, both philological and psychological, as well as the very complex genealogy surrounding this epos, has led John Neumeier, not only to a full and detailed libretto, but to what one could term, a choreographic poem.
The story's structure does not unfold chronologically, but takes autonomous turns where the imaginary is just as important the real.
The exposition of this myth and its archetypes centers on King Arthur, who wishing to bring a just and peaceful order to the a world beset by violence, is able to maintain this for only a short period. His Kingdom falls into ruins and anarchy as he is overthrow by his son Mordred.